University of Virginia Library

7[1]

I tell you,[2] [the man who] attracts other people's minds is not
arrogant toward others because of elevated and high rank, nor
does he keep others in obscurity because of his own great intelligence
and saintly knowledge. He does not use his courage and
strength to encroach on others, nor does he cheat others because
he is clever and quick.[3] If he is unable [to do a thing], he practices;

if he does not know [something], he asks. Though he know [a
thing], he is always humble, and only afterward admits that he
knows it. When he encounters a ruler, he practices conduct appropriate
to a subject. When he meets a villager,[4] he practices conduct
appropriate to the age [of the person]. When he meets an elder
he practices conduct appropriate to a disciple. When he meets
one of his own status, he practices conduct appropriate to a friend.
When he meets one younger and inferior [to himself], he practices
conduct appropriate to instruction and generosity. Thus there are
none he does not love and none he does not respect. He does not
contest with others, but is as universal as[5] Heaven and Earth,
which embrace all things. One who is like this gives rest to the
aged, treats the young tenderly, and shows sincerity to his friends.[6]

The Ode says,[7]